Worthington Park - Ellicott City, MD
Worthington Park Dog Park in Ellicott City, Maryland
Worthington Park is one of Ellicott City’s most established membership-only dog parks, offering pet owners a safe, fully fenced environment for socializing and exercise. Conveniently located off New Cut Rd, this dog park features separate areas for small and large dogs, ensuring a comfortable experience tailored to all breeds and sizes. Careful attention to maintenance and safety make it a favorite destination for local dog lovers.
Amenities at Worthington Park include an agility area for large dogs, water fountains (available seasonally), bowls, seating, poop bags, and a designated parking area. Proof of rabies vaccination and county registration are required, and daily permits can be obtained on-site for occasional visitors. Park staff help maintain cleanliness and resolve disputes, and regulars appreciate the responsible, watchful community. Please note: children under 12 are not permitted, and there are occasional car break-ins, so keep valuables secure.
FAQ for Worthington Park Dog Park
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the dog park is fully fenced for safety.
- Are there breed or size restrictions at this dog park? The park features separate areas for small and large dogs.
- Are vaccinations required for dogs? Yes, proof of up-to-date vaccines is mandatory.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, water fountains and bowls are provided (note: water may be off in winter).
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, poop bags are available at the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, seating is available within the park.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, there are distinct areas for different sizes.
- Are restrooms available for owners? There is a porta-potty in the parking lot.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Membership is required, or you can pay a $5 daily fee at the honor station.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is well maintained with staff overseeing on weekends and evenings.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, staff are present on weekends and evenings.
- Is there agility equipment for dogs to play on? Yes, there is an agility section in the large dog area.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a designated parking lot adjacent to the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is some shade within the park.
Reviews
Awesome Dog Park: Nestor & I have been going to Worthington for 13+ years.
Park is large and well kept. It’s a great place for dogs to safely be dogs. It’s a nice place to socialize with other dog owners.
I love this place, the dogs and the people, as does my dog. there is a very big large dog area and a smaller little dog area, plus an agility section in the big dog enclosure. if you don’t have a registration for your dog with howard county, there is an honor station with forms requesting info about your dog (vax and license info) and envelopes for the NULL daily fee. be aware that the water is turned off until spring, so try to remember to bring a jug of water with you. (people are generally good about sharing, however.) there is no restroom except for a porta-potty in the parking lot. kids under the age of 12 are not permitted.
for the most part, folks are pretty attentive to their pets here, and there are quite a few regulars who will also keep an eye on each other’s dogs. there are occasional dust-ups when someone gets very barky, or jealous about a toy, but mostly the dogs quickly resolve it themselves. I carry a small water bottle in my pocket, which breaks things up if tensions get too high.
park employees are around on weekends and often in the evenings during the week, checking registrations/daily permits, settling the rare dispute, and saying good night and locking up at dusk.
unfortunately, there have been a few car break-ins over the last year, so be sure to hide your valuables or better yet, keep them with you.
Most of these reviews appear to be for the dog park, not the park itself, and the rating for this park is misleading..
The park itself does not appear to be open to the public, ever.
The park itself is fenced/gated off, locked, and the last time I tried to visit there was a “no trespassing” signs at the entrance off the parking lot. This is an unusable area that isn’t open to the public. There is a small array of solar panels on the property that I can only presume is owned by the county, and the reason this park was shuttered.
Very well maintained. Its a membership only dog park. Proof of vaccines and registration are mandatory which I think is great. Water fountain,bowls and poop bags are provided. Responsible owners. The park is divided into 2 sides for small and large dogs.